Bariatric Surgery and Brain Function Linked?

A very interesting study is being done by those associated with Bariatric Surgery in Oklahoma, among other states. This study is showing that there is a direct link between this type of surgery and how the brain functions. Loosing weight can actually affect your brain, causing loss of function. For some people, this procedure is necessary to improve their quality of life and their health. Afterwards brain responded quite differently to food cues.

The Results

Researchers collected MRI’s from 40 different patients. There were 27 of them who successfully lost body mass post-surgery and different parts of their brains were affected while the 13 who didn’t have successful weight loss had very little or no change at all. There was an increase in the level of activity in the prefrontal cortex, insular cortex, and the posterior cingulate in the response to food cravings. Most notably in the resistance of the food cravings.

It must be stated that the doctors did not take MRI’s of the brain before the surgery though. Regardless, this information can mean very good news for people who are investigating their options when it comes to Bariatric Surgery in Oklahoma, or anywhere else. This is a sign that there may be promising effects on how successful these surgeries can be.

There are many reasons for weight loss or gain after surgical procedures. Understanding brain function and activity may help the doctors provide even better care post-surgery. Some of the reasons patients may not experience weight loss after surgery are stress, portion control, or the consumption of high calorie liquids. Brain function may help in how a patient responds to food and cravings by either increasing or decreasing the urge to overeat.

Future research will include four sets of MRI’s including both before AND after neurological activity for patients who both lost and gained body mass. In doing this, doctors will be able to better determine if the individual patient’s neurological activity changed or remained the same. This will help the doctors to provide more successful aftercare and treatments. The brain of an obese person may be more sensitive to food cues than someone of a normal, healthy body mass. And any future research that will be done will help doctors to learn more about the brain’s role in weight loss.

There is no substitute for a healthy diet and lifestyle, this much is true. But, modern medicine has made it possible for those who want to make a change in how they live their lives. And any research that helps doctors understand how better to help their patients is a very good thing.

Stephen Craig and his team have written posts for many blogs. Follow him @SCraigSEO.

Comments

This is really good news to all obese people. Now science has finally found a way to stop people from overeating the only downside is, it’s going to cost you big time because doctors will open your head! But for me, excercise and proper diet is still the best and natural way to lose wait.